standing up is overrated!

Standing up is overrated!

Why is there a stigma associated with people who use wheelchairs? I do not understand why using a wheelchair means that you are subhuman in the eyes of many. Apparently I didn't get the memo.

I understand that people are afraid of the unknown. That is true in almost anything. We refuse to be canceled out just because we use wheelchairs. Why do people isolate me because I have a disability? Why do people always talk to my personal assistant when they should be addressing me instead? Just because I use a wheelchair does not mean that I am incompetent. My Northwestern degree was not given to me out of sympathy. Even the very idea of saying that somebody is confined to or stuck in a wheelchair can contribute to the stigma.

I am a person, this is an indisputable fact. I have the same wants and desires as anybody else. We all do. I want to have more friends. I want to have a girlfriend. I want to have a good job. I just want to be included. Is that really too much to ask? Next time you see a person in a wheelchair, think about what I have to say. Think about how you can treat us just like anyone else. Ask us your questions. We want to feel important. We want to feel needed. I have good self-esteem but some people with disabilities do not. They could really use some love from their fellow humans. Treat us with dignity. Treat us like people.

Whatever, I do what I want!!!

Whatever, I do what I want!!!
Yes, I took the title for this entry from a certain cartoon. I believe that this phrase is appropriate for life in general. What does it mean? Basically you should just be yourself no matter what. Sure, you should always work to improve your weaknesses, because we are all human. But you should not be afraid to be yourself. If people tell you that your singing and or dancing are atrocious, go ahead and do it anyway. If you're a nerd, and seriously who among us are not, just be yourself. If you don't particularly care for the mainstream or what's considered cool, then don't bother with that. Don't be a conformist just to conform. Don't be a nonconformist just to non-conform. If we are not true to ourselves than we are not going to enjoy life, and the people around us will not know whom we truly are. At the same time, it is always important to do what is right. God did not put us on this earth to be selfish by creating turmoil, drama, and a disregard for fellow human beings. Don't use the title phrase as an excuse to hurt others. Use it as a rallying cry to be yourself and to do right on this planet that our maker has given to us. Just be who you be, and fight the power. If the world tells you to be a certain way and do what it wants, you know what to say. " Whatever, I do what I want!!!”